A 66-year-old Valatie man is facing criminal charges after Columbia County investigators say he repeatedly harassed coworkers at a Kinderhook farm over several months, with one encounter escalating to the point where he allegedly pulled out a pocketknife. Euclid Roberts was taken into custody on October 22 following what the Columbia County Sheriff's Office described as a pattern of unwanted physical contact and aggressive behavior stretching back to the spring.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Roberts harassed fellow employees across multiple encounters between May and October at Golden Harvest Farms, a farm and road-stand business on Route 9 in Kinderhook, as reported by NEWS10 ABC. Roberts worked at the farm himself, and investigators say the alleged victims were fellow employees rather than customers or strangers.
A Pattern That Started in May
The earliest incident detailed by investigators dates back to May 26, when Roberts allegedly touched another employee's chest and backside repeatedly during work hours, according to the Sheriff's Office. Months later, on October 10, Roberts allegedly grabbed another employee's hips while at the farm, per the same account from investigators.
The situation reportedly intensified on October 15, when Roberts allegedly tried to aggressively approach a coworker who was in a locked office, according to the Sheriff's Office. Another employee blocked his path during that encounter, and Roberts reportedly brandished a pocketknife during the confrontation.
Charges and Court Appearance
Roberts faces two counts of second-degree menacing, along with second-degree harassment and forcible touching, the Sheriff's Office said. Under New York law, menacing in the second degree is classified as a class A misdemeanor, according to the New York State Senate. A separate statutory excerpt defines harassment in the second degree as occurring when a person, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects that person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do so, per the New York State Senate.
Roberts was released after his arraignment in Kinderhook Village Court. The court appearance followed his arrest by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, which has not disclosed any bail or release conditions tied to the case.
Investigation Remains Open
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is asking potential victims or anyone with information about the ongoing investigation to come forward, a request that suggests the inquiry into Roberts's conduct at Golden Harvest Farms is not yet closed. Those with information can reach the Sheriff's Office at 518-828-3344.
It remains unclear whether Roberts has entered a plea or what the eventual outcome of the case will be. Neither Roberts, an attorney representing him, nor Golden Harvest Farms has issued a public statement on the allegations.
